This matchup contrasts a regulated, US-accessible broker with a UK-focused, commission-free option. The tension centers on cost structures and long-term investing features.
Forex.com and Freetrade are closely matched, with Freetrade offering commission-free trading that Forex.com does not.
Find out which stock broker best suits your investing profile.
Which broker wins for each type of stock trader, based on costs, safety, features, and editorial scoring.
Freetrade wins for low-cost trading with commission-free stock and ETF trades.
| Editorial score | 3.9/ 5 | 4.0/ 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Min deposit | $100 | N/A |
| Spreads from | 1 pips | N/A |
| Commission / lot | $7/lot | N/A |
A closer look at the specific criteria each broker meets or misses within each scoring category.
| Criteria | Forex.com | Freetrade |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Regulation | ||
| Top-tier regulator (FCA, ASIC, SEC, etc.) | Pass | Pass |
| Segregated client funds | Pass | Pass |
| Negative balance protection | Pass | Fail |
| Compensation scheme (e.g. FSCS, SIPC) | Pass | Pass |
| Costs | ||
| Commission-free trading | Fail | Pass |
| No deposit fee | — | Pass |
| Features | ||
| Fractional shares | Fail | Pass |
| Dividend reinvestment (DRIP) | Fail | Fail |
| Extended hours trading | Fail | Fail |
| IPO access | Fail | Fail |
| Short selling | Pass | Fail |
| Stock screener tool | Fail | Fail |
| Support | ||
| Mobile app | Pass | Pass |
| Advanced charting tools | Pass | Fail |
| 24/5 live chat | Pass | Fail |
| Phone support | Pass | Fail |
The scores are close: Forex.com rates 3.9/5 and Freetrade rates 4/5. Freetrade has a marginal edge in our scoring, but the difference is small enough that your specific priorities — fees, platforms, or regulatory jurisdiction — should guide the final choice.
Forex.com starts from 1. Current spread data is not available for Freetrade. Check both brokers' websites for up-to-date spread and commission pricing.
Forex.com requires $100. Minimum deposit information is not currently available for Freetrade.
Both Forex.com and Freetrade hold licences from top-tier regulators, indicating a high standard of regulatory oversight. Check each broker's specific regulatory bodies to confirm coverage in your jurisdiction.
For beginners, Forex.com provides negative balance protection, capping losses at your deposit amount. Also compare demo account availability and educational resources on each broker's site before deciding.
Forex.com lists maximum leverage of 20:1, while Freetrade lists up to 1:1. Available leverage depends on your jurisdiction. EU retail clients under ESMA rules are capped at 1:30 on major forex pairs.
Forex.com charges $7 per trade on commission-based accounts. Commission details for Freetrade are not currently available. Check their website for up-to-date pricing. Stock commissions may be charged as a flat rate per trade or per share; confirm the exact structure on each broker's website.
Forex.com supports MetaTrader 5, Proprietary Web/Mobile, MetaTrader 4, while Freetrade supports Freetrade App. Forex.com has exclusive access to MetaTrader 5 and Proprietary Web/Mobile and MetaTrader 4. Freetrade has exclusive access to Freetrade App.
Freetrade offers commission-free stock trading while Forex.com does not according to our data. Commission-free trading can reduce costs for frequent traders. Always confirm the current fee structure directly on each broker's website.
Both Forex.com and Freetrade are covered by a compensation scheme according to our data, providing an additional safety net for your stock investments. Confirm the specific scheme and coverage limit that applies to your account before depositing.
Forex.com is favored for safety and regulation due to multi-jurisdiction oversight (NFA, CFTC, FCA, ASIC, MAS, IIROC).
Freetrade is best for long-term investing with Stocks and Shares ISA and SIPP wrappers.
Forex.com suits active traders with advanced charting and research tools.
Freetrade suits beginners with a clean mobile app and no minimum deposit.
Forex.com provides broader global access with eight exchanges.
| 1.7 pips |
| N/A |
| Inactivity fee | $15/month (after 12 months) | None |
|---|
| Deposit fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Deposit methods | Bank transferCredit cardDebit card | Bank transferDebit card |
|---|
| Withdrawal methods | Bank transferCredit card | Bank transfer |
|---|
| Withdrawal fee | Free | Free |
|---|
| Commission-free | No | Yes |
|---|
| Fractional shares | No | Yes |
|---|
| Dividend reinvestment | No | No |
|---|
| Extended hours | No | No |
|---|
| IPO access | No | No |
|---|
| Short selling | Yes | No |
|---|
| Regulators | FCA ASIC MAS IIROC CFTC NFA | FCA |
|---|
| Platforms | MetaTrader 5 Proprietary Web/Mobile MetaTrader 4 | Freetrade App |
|---|
| Active bonuses | None | 2 offers |
|---|
Dig deeper into each broker’s features, fees, and regulation.
Score 3.9 / 5
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